Indian e-Passport in UAE: What Indian Expats Need to Know
Indian e-passport in UAE: Indian nationals residing in the UAE can now access the Indian e-passport in UAE, a major upgrade to the travel document issued via the Embassy of India, Abu Dhabi and the Consulate General of India, Dubai. Officially launched under India’s Passport Seva 2.0 programme (GPSP 2.0) from 28 October 2025, the new e-passport features embedded microchips and digitised processes designed to enhance security, reduce processing time and align with international standards.
The shift to the Indian e-passport in UAE marks a significant moment for the Indian expatriate community, the largest foreign national group in the country. With over 4 million Indians living in the UAE, the upgrade aims to deliver faster renewals, global recognition and improved fraud protection.
What’s New with the Indian e-Passport in UAE
Chip-Embedded Technology & Security
The key feature of the Indian e-passport in UAE is the radio-frequency (RF) chip embedded within the passport structure. This chip stores biometric and demographic data, allowing for safer, smoother immigration clearances, and reducing potential forgery or tampering instances.
Streamlined Application via Online Portal
From 28 October 2025, all Indian expats in the UAE must apply or renew via the new online portal: mportal.passportindia.gov.in (GPSP 2.0). The portal allows document uploads, photo submissions meeting ICAO guidelines and offers single-step submissions rather than manual fill-outs.
No Extra Fees or Biometric Requirement (For Now)
The Embassy and Consulate have confirmed that there are no additional fees for the Indian e-passport in UAE, and that biometric data collection is not required at O-stage in the UAE (for now). Applicants simply provide compliant digital photograph and signature, which is used for chip-data encoding.
Existing Passports Still Valid
If you hold a valid traditional Indian passport, there is no immediate compulsion to replace it simply because the e-passport has launched. The older format remains valid until expiry. When you next seek renewal or issue a new passport, you will automatically receive the e-passport format under the Indian e-passport in UAE system.
What Indian Expats in the UAE Should Do
- Check your passport expiry: If your current passport is nearing expiry or requires renewal, consider applying via the new portal for the Indian e-passport in UAE.
- Prepare digital documents: Ensure your photo meets ICAO-compliant specifications and upload documents via the portal ahead of your appointment.
- Use official centres: After online submission, you’ll be required to visit designated centres (such as those run by BLS International) for verification and collection.
- No rush to replace yet: If your current passport is valid and you don’t wish to renew yet, you may retain it until closer to expiry under the Indian e-passport in UAE policy.
- Stay updated on visa/travel rules: While the passport launch focuses on security and process, travel requirements and UAE immigration procedures may evolve, keep an eye on updates from the Indian Embassy.
For full details and official guidance on the Indian e-passport in UAE, https://newsonair.gov.in/embassy-of-india-abu-dhabi-introduces-next-generation-e-passport-system-under-gpsp-2-Visit Indian Embassy Abu Dhabi – Next-Generation e-Passport System under GPSP 2.0
Why the Indian e-Passport in UAE Matters
The launch of the Indian e-passport in UAE reflects a broader trend towards digitalisation of travel documents globally. Embedding chips and aligning with ICAO standards helps reduce fraud, enhances global recognition, and supports faster immigration processing. For Indian expats in the UAE many of whom travel frequently between the countries, the upgrade means better convenience, peace of mind and alignment with modern travel infrastructure.
Moreover, the improved process under Passport Seva 2.0 strengthens India’s engagement with its diaspora, especially in major NRI hubs like the UAE reinforcing both security and service.
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